United States Institute of Peace

Ripeness

Period in a conflict where parties are most likely to be open to negotiation, usually due to conditions of a mutually hurting stalemate. A conflict is said to be ripe when it has reached such a stalemate and all the parties have determined that their alternatives to negotiation will not get them what they want or need. It is also possible for third parties to help create a perception of ripeness by introducing alternative ways of framing a conflict or by providing actual incentives or disincentives.